Even though Martin Scorsese’s films end up getting major distribution with large studios, the filmmaker works primarily independently. He is no longer beholden to the traditional Hollywood studio system where executives have a say in the creative aspects of a film. And in a new GQ interview, the iconic filmmaker opened up about the experiences which led him to leave the studio system and do things on his own. 

The first few decades of Martin Scorsese’s career is dominated by big studio films.

Continue reading Martin Scorsese Says He Almost Quit Filmmaking After ‘Gangs Of New York’ & Bad Experiences With Studio Executives at The Playlist.

Filmmakers are film fans, right? There’s just no way you’d devote your life to a creative endeavor and not be a fan of it. So, you have to assume that directors, whether they’re working on no-budget horror, blockbuster superhero films, or even a heartfelt indie drama, are influenced by similar works or other filmmakers who have inspired them. So, even though David Lowery’s newest film, “Peter Pan & Wendy,” can be written off as yet another live-action Disney remake (yawn), the filmmaker does have quite a few surprising homages and inspiration that he recently broke down for The New York Times.

Continue reading ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’: David Lowery Credits Andrei Tarkovsky, ‘Candyman,’ ‘Gangs Of New York’ & More As Inspiration For His Disney Film at The Playlist.

Twenty years ago, Martin Scorsese and Miramax released “Gangs Of New York” to solid acclaim and box-office numbers. Most critics thought it fell short of Scorsese’s most triumphant works but praised the film’s densely realized sets and costume design. Still, critics and audiences couldn’t help but think: the 167-minute theatrical cut, and even Scorsese’s 3+ hour workprint of the film, wasn’t enough time to properly tell the Five Points saga.

Continue reading ‘Gangs Of New York’: Miramax Has A TV Series In The Works With Martin Scorsese Attached To Direct The First Two Episodes at The Playlist.

Daniel Day-Lewis is incomparable. A looming, legendary figure in cinema, whose stature has cemented after five decades of work as one of the greatest actors in the world, and one of all the all-time greats –  period – up there with the likes of Laurence Olivier and Marlon Brando. Known for his all-consuming method approach, which includes staying in character the entire time during the production of a film, like all mysterious figures who are semi-recluse —he doesn’t give a lot of interviews, he goes years in between films and once retired to become a cobbler—everyone seemingly wants a piece of Day-Lewis.

Continue reading The Essentials: Daniel Day-Lewis’ Best Performances at The Playlist.

Watch: 9-Minute Video Essay Counts Down The Top 10 Closing Shots Of All Time

Continue reading The Top 10 Closing Shots Of All Time at The Playlist.

Watch: 30-Minute Documentary 'History Man' About Martin Scorsese And Making 'Gangs Of New York'

Continue reading Watch: 30-Minute Documentary ‘History Man’ About Martin Scorsese And Making ‘Gangs Of New York’ at The Playlist.

Harvey Weinstein Says Martin Scorsese's Original Final Cut On 'Gangs Of New York' Was 3 1/2 Hours (But You Won't See It)

Continue reading Harvey Weinstein Says Martin Scorsese’s Original Final Cut On ‘Gangs Of New York’ Was 3 1/2 Hours (But You Won’t See It) at The Playlist.

Martin Scorsese Developing 'Gangs Of New York' TV Series

Continue reading Martin Scorsese Developing ‘Gangs Of New York’ TV Series at The Playlist.